State land authority outlines Phase 1 plan for 'The Point,' projects 46,000 jobs by 2048

Scott Cuthbertson, deputy director of the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority, presented the authority’s Phase 1 framework to the Utah County Commission, describing the site, schedule and economic projections for the redevelopment of the 608‑acre former state prison site known as The Point.

Cuthbertson said the authority has pursued a multi‑year public engagement process that drew about 12,000 responses and shaped goals such as strong open‑space protections, robust transit and walkability. "It's 608 acres," he said, adding that the plan preserves about 160 acres of open space and calls for long‑term, 99‑year ground leases rather than sale of the land. He said demolition began the prior week and horizontal infrastructure work is expected to continue through next year, with the earliest buildings likely in 2025–2026.

The authority framed Phase 1 as a regional economic engine. "We have projections that by 2048, there'll be 46,000 jobs created," Cuthbertson said, contrasting that projection with a private‑sale baseline the authority estimated would yield far fewer jobs. He said Phase 1 covers roughly 60–70 acres in the site center and that the broader buildout could unfold over 20–30 years.

Cuthbertson named the authority’s master developer partners and design firm and described the project as a public‑private partnership involving Draper, Salt Lake County and Utah County. He noted signature features in planning materials presented to the commission, including a "river‑to‑range" park connecting the Jordan River Trail with the Wasatch foothills, higher‑density mixed use near transit, and sustainability measures such as solar and potential geothermal use.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the employment baseline, and staff agreed to leave slide materials with the clerk for inclusion in the public record. Cuthbertson said the design approach emphasizes patient, managed growth and multiple mobility options. There were no votes tied to the presentation; staff said the authority would return with materials as necessary.

Next steps: materials will be included in the commission packet and the authority will continue site preparation and outreach as the project moves into infrastructure and later development phases.